Graduate Seminar Series: Cell and Tissue Stream – Doris Adao

Graduate Seminar Series: Cell and Tissue Stream
Graduate Seminar Series for the Institute of Biomedical Engineering (BME). This day is for cell and tissue stream presenters.
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Presentation Title: The role of microRNAs in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Abstract: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a genetic disease involving hypertrophy or thickening of the heart muscle, and is the leading cause of sudden cardiac death among young adults and athletes. Mutations in genes encoding for cardiac structural proteins such as myosin binding protein C (MYBPC3) and myosin heavy chain (MYH7) have been identified as the cause of this condition, but the mechanisms by which cardiomyocytes (CMs) undergo hypertrophy in response to these mutations is unclear. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are one of the factors that could influence CM hypertrophy because of their ability to regulate gene expression, but the role of miRNAs in HCM progression remains elusive. Because of their ability to control gene expression of various factors, miRNAs could be a key target in regulating disease states such as HCM. The objective of my project is to identify and target differentially expressed miRNAs between healthy and HCM states in order to mitigate the progression of cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. The use of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) could allow us to investigate miRNAs in HCM, but most studies lack human tissue validation to ensure findings from iPSC models are accurate and representative of disease states. With no specific treatment options, investigating the role of miRNAs could allow a new set of therapeutics to improve disease management and outcomes for patients with HCM.
Supervisor Name: Dr. Phyllis Billia; Prof. Craig Simmons
Year of Study: 3
Program of Study: PhD
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89610372821?pwd=azd4SCtYVWtreVovaGNPV1c2NGY2Zz09
Meeting ID: 896 1037 2821
Password: 483329
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